10-Year-Old Shows Perfect Evacuation by Carrying Dog to Balcony During Fire

Safe Evacuation to the Veranda Including Pet Dog Rescue
Essential Apartment Fire Evacuation Methods to Know

A 10-year-old child who was home alone was safely rescued after hugging their pet dog and calling for help from the balcony when a fire broke out at home. On the 19th, the Incheon Fire Department announced that a fire occurred on the 6th floor of a six-story apartment in Seonhak-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, at 7:03 PM on the 17th. The 10-year-old boy, A, was alone inside the house when the fire broke out. It is understood that the fire started while the mother briefly stepped out into the hallway.

A 10-year-old child who was home alone safely rescued by hugging their pet dog tightly and calling for help from the balcony when a fire broke out at home.
[Photo by Incheon Fire Headquarters]

The mother was unable to re-enter the house and was pacing anxiously, but fortunately, the child had taken refuge on the balcony holding the dog, and both were safely rescued. However, A inhaled smoke and complained of a sore throat, so he was taken to the hospital. After receiving 12 related reports, the fire department dispatched 62 firefighters and 22 pieces of equipment, extinguishing the fire completely by 7:14 PM, just 11 minutes after arrival. The fire department believes the fire started on the 6th floor where A’s home is located.

A 10-year-old boy named A was alone inside the house when the fire broke out. It is understood that the fire started while his mother briefly stepped out into the hallway.
[Photo by Incheon Fire Headquarters]

A fire department official said, "When we arrived at the scene, black smoke was coming out of the balcony on the 6th floor, and the exact cause of the fire is under investigation." He added, "We understand that the mother briefly stepped into the hallway, and the fire broke out, preventing her from re-entering the house and prompting her to call for help."

With fires occurring frequently in apartments recently, evacuation methods during a fire are divided into four scenarios depending on the situation. First, if a fire breaks out in your own home but evacuation is possible, first inform everyone inside the house about the fire. Then, use the stairs to evacuate to a safe place such as the ground floor or rooftop while staying low. When evacuating, always close the door (fire door) and do not use the elevator.

Second, if a fire breaks out in your own home and evacuation is difficult due to fire blocking the entrance or other areas, similarly inform everyone inside about the fire. Then move to evacuation spaces, lightweight partitions, or downward evacuation exits installed in the apartment. If there are no evacuation spaces, move as far away as possible from flames and smoke, close the door, seal gaps with wet towels, and call 119 to report your location and situation to request rescue.

Third, if a fire breaks out elsewhere (another apartment unit, hallway, stairwell, parking lot, etc.) and flames and smoke are not entering your home, inform everyone inside about the fire and stay inside the unit while monitoring the situation. Keep windows closed to prevent smoke from entering, call 119, and follow instructions from the public announcement system.

Fourth, if a fire breaks out elsewhere (another apartment unit, hallway, stairwell, parking lot, etc.) and flames and smoke are entering your home, similarly inform everyone inside about the fire. If the hallway and stairs are free of flames and smoke and evacuation is possible, evacuate to a safe place following the first method. If flames and smoke block the hallway and stairs making evacuation difficult, move to evacuation spaces following the second method and call 119 to request rescue.

Recently constructed high-rise apartments have downward evacuation ladders installed inside the balcony area, allowing evacuation. However, since these spaces are often used for storing items, evacuation during a fire can be difficult. Therefore, items should not be stacked there. Discussing and preparing an evacuation plan map at home with family members is also a way to protect the lives of family members.